Discussion Topic |
|
This thread has been locked |
Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
|
|
|
Topic Author's Original Post - Oct 26, 2013 - 01:55am PT
|
Learning Norwegian
There's nothing extrodinary about my climbing other than the fact I've been at it a long time. I've never as a classic weekend warrior missed a season since the mid-sixties and have had the previlage to see the evolution of our sport in that span which has been profound. Certainly one of my greatest pleasures in all the years as a climber and skier has been the company I’ve enjoyed rambling about mountains. Without a doubt like all of you, I’ve gotten to know many characters sharing a rope and skin track. I can also say with certain confidence that climbers and backcountry skiers are typically an eccentric lot. Our activity of hanging from cliff's and skiing the obscure is often judged dimly from most sectors with a combination of suspicion, horror and bewilderment. Our tribes unconventional habits and odd tendencies can raise eyebrows in most mainstream settings. An early onset can make parents wonder where they went wrong, I know mine did. It can reach a crisis stage when their beloved child drops out to following the path leaving them in a state of guilt, contemplating an intervention.
Mountaineering while being an activity that will build you physically certainly has the potential to ruin you socially. If you doubt this for a minute try telling a group of co-workers at some corporate function what it was like on a forced bivouac with a partner you met a week earlier living on table scraps out of broken down van. No need to mention his taste in music, hygiene or chronic habit. The law of association cuts both ways which often gives those listening pause recognizing they're in fringe company themselves. Finding yourself isolated is not all that unusual and comes more often with the "nons" in your life as time rolls on. You recognize that it's much easier just not to share on Monday mornings what you did over the weekend. The desire to be with the tribe and not bombared with the preverbal question of why if you spill the beans and avoiding those conversations surrounding sports, TV shows and shopping becomes increasing important. At some point there's a personal realization you've become a lifer and are destined to spend the rest of your days serving your sentence with the other inmates. Of course you wouldn't want it any other way.
Each crag and ski area has its own unique assortment of local colorful characters. As you know if you spend any length of time in an area there's the habituals, an indigenous collection of fun prone and interesting individuals. The Highway 50 Corridor on the Western Slope of the Tahoe Sierra is no exception. Affectionately known locally by some as the “Trench” has seen its fair share over the years. Having arrived here in the late 70's I was quickly introduced to a fun loving group of climbers and sikiers, the Ghoulwe Mountaineering Club. I still enjoy some fine company to this day with the remnants. I think we can all relate that the multi generational cross section of mountain lovers adds to the richness of the experience. America's mountains are aging with an ever increasing collection of mountain lore. The stand outs in any local groups amplifies the fun and adds to the stories that will become tomorrows tales. Not the least of contemporary interesting and colorful characters of the Trench is ST's poet extraordinaire, the Norwegian.
I've gotten to know the Norwegian over the past several years having shared a rope and by welcoming him to some of the Ghoulwe's barbaric rituals which I'll describe later. I like most of you have read his post on ST with a mixture of reflection, amusement and concern. I can attest drawing conclusions from such a forum is suspect, after all why let the facts get in the way of a good story? That said I thought in the interests of those who are naturally curious and enjoy the banter you'd be interested in knowing a little more about our beloved little poet, the Norwegian.
Chuck V. grew up on the Western Slope of El Dorado County and I can say the prevailing social environment here certainly did not predispose a conservative's lens on the Norwegian's vision. Chuck yanks on the chain of convension with much force and to my amusement. A day in the life of the Norwegian is likely to begin at 2:00 AM followed by 8 hours of structural engineering mixed with family and household duties. He's often off falling trees before noon and may end up on the sharpe end with his Silent Partner at a local crag before the days done or under head lamp if its not. Picking up his girls from school it's not out of the ordinary I've been told to see him wearing his wife's clothes having fallen behind on laundry duty. Not that his feminine side would suggest a delicate and light physic, pound for pound I can't believe there's been a more fit poet in the history of our species.
Recognizing we had a spirited soul roaming the Trench the Ghoulwe's concluded in the interests of generational diversity, humor value and needing a young strong rope gun we must make him a full fledge member. Turning a cliff scaler into a complete mountaineer is easy when you have material like the Norwegian, a true mountain lover and zealot. The first step in the process was to return the Norwegian to his ancestrial roots as a skier. This tasks was successfully accomplished last fall when we summoned the powers of Ningue the Ghoulwe's god of snow at an annual and secret event deep in the Trench. There Ningue appeared and told our futures by reading the ski bases and when he turned his eyes to Chuck and proclaimed, "you are the Norwegian you were born a skier" Chuck was presented with the classic Europa 99's and leather boots by his fellow Ghoulwe's, he weep with tears of joy!
There are two basic personality types, givers and takers not to say there's many shades of each in all of us. The Norwegian at his core is a giver and conscienous citizen of the planet to boot. A good stewart of our crags the Norwegian will stuff his pockets full with disgarded trash on every outing. This last month he graciously opened his humble and ecclectic cabin near Lovers Leap for a "gathering of climbers". Arriving there in time for dinner and cheer we were amuzed by many white rabbits running about in the cabin as the Jefferson Airplane played in the background. The first snow of the season was upon us much to our enjoyment although the adverse weather certainly contributed to a number of no shows. Never the less our limited group had a great evening of camaraderie as climbers. Chuck pulled from the book shelve and read to us Native American lore of Yosemite as we melted into the evening with the bunnies while Chuck's herding dog kept them contained.
I crashed back at the campground and got up to a beautiful morning of Indian summer. I soon decided to run up to the top of the Hog's Back for a view of our first dusting in the warming sun knowing a fine day was ahead. My cell phone lit up on the ridge with "Norwegian", we made plans to meet up for a climb once the rock dryed out. We were no hurry and would let the day warm as we chatted back in camp with some Canadian climbers on their honeymoon. Imagining there was nothing in the way of their happiness together, I reflected on days long gone when we were young before kids, the many loses and gains then on to an ever evolving life to where I am today. We shouldered our packs and headed up to the east wall of the Leap exploring in conversation life/death and of course the beautiful young bride. Few people were there not that there's ever much of a line for Fear No Evil, an old Jay Smith route that I've consciously avoided for years. Chuck began his graceful delicate dance showing his love of moving over stone and was quickly at the belay.
The Norwegian typically climbs with his Silent Partner which is akin to laying down cable with few if any runners. Heading up the final pitch he soon found the rope drag interferring with his dance and quickly detached my gear sling as a runner for an overhang. The route over the final summit overhang is obscure and is best followed by the lack of corn flake lichen where the passage of climbers have clawed and road-runnered up the less featured exfoliated slabs. Cleaning that last pitch I bursted out with laughter seeing that the ever inventive Norwegian had used his monk like belt of knotted rope for his final runner. We enjoyed our summit together in the soft yellow light of autumn and then began the quick hike down through the colorful aspen.
Heading back down to my home in Camino, I thought about the Norwegian, his beautiful young family and their challenges. It's anybody's guess as to how his story will play out, except for the author himsel to the extent of things within his control. He has choices with many good options and some of course not so good. We all do but the one thing we can't is read ourselves into this story. It's his own unique tale and song, he'll play it out to the pitch, tone and content based on the choices he makes. There will be like all things ups and downs as the seasons go around and his girls grow. Getting aquainted with Chuck has been a pleasure, he is a very caring, humble and reflective individual. I'm looking forward to more mountain time with him in the years ahead hopefully as much on skis as on rock. We all start out as raw material and the tumbling we take rounds us out. Chuck like everyone young and old is a work in progress, I see nothing but great potential as he continues to find his power to prevail. He is after all the Norwegian.
Berg Heil,
Charlie D.
|
|
i'm gumby dammit
Sport climber
da ow
|
|
|
Oct 26, 2013 - 05:01am PT
|
There will be like all things ups and downs as the seasons go around and his girls grow. If life were full of ups and ups, all the ups would mean nothing. 'Tis better to feel bad than to feel nothing at all.
|
|
mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
|
|
|
Oct 26, 2013 - 05:09am PT
|
he is indeed a fine reflector of the climbing community
we all have our problems like him and empathize
let us emphasize trying to do the right thing
it is what a reflector does after all
Wayno and Chuck got on Fantasia yesterday
Wayno had nothing but good to say
what hath Chuck got that's special?
he's been telling us for years
but you need to listen carefully
there are nuances in the nuances
norwegian is like that
i think it is a beautiful language
i am glad i took the time to learn it also
a very nice piece
thank you
now i need a glass or two of wine
berg heil!
|
|
justthemaid
climber
Jim Henson's Basement
|
|
|
Oct 26, 2013 - 08:01am PT
|
I agree, a very nice piece of writing and thank you.
At some point there's a personal realization you've become a lifer and are destined to spend the rest of your days serving your sentence with the other inmates. Of course you wouldn't want it any other way.
Aye Aye to that ^^
We were invited to the shindig but, alas, there were conflicts and we couldn't make it. Meh :(
|
|
Norwegian
Trad climber
dancin on the tip of god's middle finger
|
|
|
Oct 26, 2013 - 09:29am PT
|
gosh,
good friends are bitchen.
im beaming in the spotlight today,
as the subject of good Charlie's sentiment.
some days i am the subject of the police, they inquiry me,
and i can attest that a barrel-chested hug from
a fellow mountain freak beats the hell out
of the imbalanced and awkward exchange that
falls between the peace officers and the norwegian.
thanks charlie,
we are all constantly learning
and un-learning the who's and the why's
that comprise.
p.s.
i adore the cantilevered structure,
because it appears that nothing,
is holding it up. the supports are
hidden and therefore mystic and left
for the imagination to construct.
i also regularly climb with a full
bowel, just to dumb down
the realities that constitute
my norm.
|
|
Dave Johnson
Mountain climber
Sacramento, CA
|
|
|
Oct 26, 2013 - 11:47am PT
|
Yeah, we have a heck of a tribe, Charlie. The Norwegian is a great addition. Or maybe we joined his tribe?
|
|
kaholatingtong
Trad climber
Nevada City
|
|
|
Oct 26, 2013 - 12:27pm PT
|
very well put. cool to see a pics of fear no evil, was just looking at this route.
|
|
Mark Berry
climber
JH, WY
|
|
|
Oct 26, 2013 - 12:29pm PT
|
Here's to Charlie Downs, the Trench, the Norwegian, and the Ghoulwes! Keepin' it real in a kooky world.
|
|
Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
|
|
|
Oct 26, 2013 - 12:38pm PT
|
Did he learn you Bokmål or Nynorsk?
|
|
Footloose
Trad climber
Lake Tahoe
|
|
|
Oct 26, 2013 - 02:17pm PT
|
Charlie, your writing like Chuck's, is deep and nuanced, evoking insights and feelings that are valid, accurate, I think, and in general public don't get expressed or turned out often. So always a pleasure to read. For nostalgia, reflection, meditation, whatever. Thanks!
P.S. Fear No Evil looks way scarier than Fantasia, lol!!
|
|
RyanD
climber
Squamish
|
|
|
Oct 26, 2013 - 02:38pm PT
|
Wow Charlie, very awesome piece of writing there. Very real, thoughtful & from the heart. Norwegian is a lucky man to have good people like you in his life. I feel great after reading that, thanks.
|
|
McHale's Navy
Trad climber
From Panorama City, CA
|
|
|
Oct 26, 2013 - 02:44pm PT
|
Makes me purr. Keep up the good life!
|
|
guyman
Social climber
Moorpark, CA.
|
|
|
Oct 26, 2013 - 03:10pm PT
|
Very nice read.
Life is like a box of chocolates.
Thanks
|
|
Marlow
Sport climber
OSLO
|
|
|
Oct 26, 2013 - 03:53pm PT
|
Yes, that was good...
|
|
Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Oct 26, 2013 - 08:24pm PT
|
Chuck, a cantilever is indeed something to admire and not a bad analogy. Where it may appear that it is suspended the fact is the reason it stays up is the counter leveraged support is greater than it's weight. You like the cantilever have a whole lot of support that overcomes gravity, best not to get too heavy and overburden your support. You're a good man CV and an old soul, I know I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.
Thanks all for the comments ST, it was fun for me and burned up some time I'm spending these days getting well after a medical procedure. Think I'll post up on the "how old are you thread"......we nothing but soft tissue!
|
|
Norwegian
Trad climber
dancin on the tip of god's middle finger
|
|
|
Oct 27, 2013 - 01:27am PT
|
charlie d just tonight i was
recognizing the depth and breadth of
our community, here on the western slope.
and my wife pointed out some blessings.
of which you are one.
she is thankful that i've found role models
and peers such as yourself and paul.
thru all of the beatings, some self imposed
and some involuntary, you've stayed the
faithful course as a father, as a professional,
and as a dirtbag mountain lover.
your efforts and acts thus far
have painted acclaim.
i strive for excellence in all of my pursuits,
even the wayward ones where i unleash
ridiculous though warranted hardships upon my self.
and then paul.
he is more than flesh and bones.
his story is incredible,
and is far from waning.
his accomplishments over the years,
on the rock and beyond,
demand nothing short of awe.
but in his humble repose, he always waves off my admirations.
his sometimes subtle but usually blunt and uncensored
advice for me stings.
always with raw truth.
i at once adore, abhor and employ it,
to the best of my understanding.
my wife tells me that i offer the two
of you equal but perhaps opposite blessings,
as well.
i don't believe in myself, never have.
never will. but that's ok.
so she has to remind me that there's
beer under all of that foam.
super sappy, i know.
but hell, blessings deserve dramatic recognition.
|
|
BLUEBLOCR
Social climber
joshua tree
|
|
|
Oct 27, 2013 - 01:51am PT
|
^^ cool I sense the same about Paul.
I hope he's been notified about Blitzos memorial on Nov. 9.
I wish he could make it
You to Weeg
Life is what we remember, and what were doing. Then it ends as we know it.
Mostly sudden
|
|
pb
Sport climber
Sonora Ca
|
|
|
Oct 27, 2013 - 10:47am PT
|
does responding provide a net and prolong the fall?
|
|
Norwegian
Trad climber
dancin on the tip of god's middle finger
|
|
|
Oct 27, 2013 - 11:24am PT
|
like autumn leaves
charlie's thread wafts to the page bottom,
when it gets close
to internet detritus,
i strategically respond
and perpetuate my glory.
pb you exposed my
deepest secret.
now i'll yours:
your stones, upon a convergent path,
fail to produce spark.
|
|
Charlie D.
Trad climber
Western Slope, Tahoe Sierra
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Oct 31, 2013 - 04:10pm PT
|
A part of our day I didn't relate that is worth noting.....when I arrived back at camp and met with the Norwegian we went through the customary debate on what to climb. I wasn't all that energized and simply suggested we just cruise multiple laps on the Hogs Backs' easy routes. Chuck informed me of a promise to his wife not to free solo.
I would suspect with Chucks schedule he often finds himself without a partner and gvien his word he has indeed found a silent one for his joyful dance. I would say the Norwegian is a man of his word. He didn't flinch and I would further suspect he aims to keep it that way both on and off the rock. You're a strong man CV, see you in a couple weeks.
|
|
|
SuperTopo on the Web
|
Let us know!